Friday, September 11, 2009

Dark Woods: A Film Review



Director: Michael Escobedo.

Writer: John Muscanero.

A film about death, loss, and loneliness "Dark Woods," from writer John Muscanero and director Michael Escobedo, is a slowly paced psychological drama that deals with many other themes including death and cancer. Tracy Coogan plays the woman dying and she, as Susan Branch, chooses to live out her remaining days in the isolation of a backwoods community. Husband Henry Branch hopes for her recovery, but the introduction of serial rapist Rand Larch and a victim add more stress to an already depressing story. Sounds fun right?

In fact, "Dark Woods" is an enjoyable watch as the intensity builds slowly over time with mystery and the possibility of infidelity hovering over the scenes. The dark writing of the film allows actress Tracy Coogan to fully develop her character as she slips in and out of consciousness. Her acting as a woman succumbing to cancer seems researched and well rehearsed. Meanwhile, Henry, played by John Muscanero, who is also the writer, deals with complex issues while he looks after Aleisha (Mary Kate Wiles), a victim of the serial rapist. Each of these characters along with the thrilling writing makes for a captivating watch despite a few minor flaws.

The early lighting of the picture seems off, or overly dark for about ten minutes, but then the dark mood of the picture is amplified with over half of the film taking place at night. The intensity of the film means that viewers will not know what will happen next and those watching will need to stay tuned throughout the film until the ambiguous, tragic ending. What is "Dark Woods" all about?

I am thinking that writer John Muscanero and director Michael Escobedo need to get together for a sequel because I am still trying to figure that question out. "Dark Woods" is currently in talks for North American distribution so chances of a sequel are a ways off, but when this film is released fans of psychological dramas, or thrillers will really need to check this one out on DVD or through a limited release when it is available. This is one of the most tense dramas thus far from 2009!

Acting/believability/evenness: 7.75.
Story/plot/closure: 8.5.
Lighting/mood/composition: 9.
Overall: 8.5.

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